Ballymena in Northern Ireland is witnessing some of Northern Ireland’s most violent riots in more than a decade.
Petrol bombs, bricks, and a hatchet are some of the items that have been thrown at police since the violence broke out on Monday, June 9.
The unrest has spread to the towns of Coleraine and Larne and The Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) is now seeking help from English and Welsh police forces to manage the disorder.
But how did these riots come about? What sparked them in the first place? And are they linked to the violence in Salford?
What is happening in Ballymena?
Located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the town of Ballymena has become a battlefield for racially motivated riots.
Unrest first broke out on Monday evening, with houses being damaged by smoke and windows being smashed. The violence escalated by Tuesday, when protesters threw fireworks, glass bottles, and masonry at police officers attending to the riots. By Wednesday, the unrest had spread to other towns. In Larne, a leisure centre was set on fire by masked vandals.
As it stands, more than 32 police officers have been injured and six arrests have been made. Three people have been charged.
What sparked the violence in Ballymena?
The violent riots began as a peaceful protest to support the family of a local girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault.
Two 14-year old boys have appeared in court and were both charged with attempted rape reportedly via a Romanian interpreter. A third arrest was made on Monday night, but the 28-year-old man has since been released from police custody.
The riots appear to be targeting ethnic minorities. Some residents have reportedly displayed signs in their homes to indicate their nationalities. One resident showcased a sign reading “British household”, with another reading “Filipino lives here”.
What have the reactions been to the events in Ballymena?
Political leaders, including First Minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and Sir Keir Starmer have spoken out to voice their condemnation and call for resolution.
During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir said: “I utterly condemn the violence that we have seen overnight in Ballymena and in other parts of Northern Ireland, including against PSNI officers.”
Sinn Fein vice-president and First Minister O’Neill told reporters in Belfast that the riots were “pure racism”, adding that “there is no other way to dress it up”.
Ms Little-Pengelly added the scenes in Ballymena were “unacceptable thuggery”.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher cautioned that such violent rioting could undermine the process of justice surrounding the sexual assault allegation.
What will happen next?
Repairs and clean up of Ballymena have already begun and attempts are being made to fix both homes and businesses in the area.
The PSNI is expected to remain in the town, with extra officers being brought in. It is also requesting backup from English and Welsh police forces to better manage the violence.
Is this related to the riots in Salford?
In another outbreak of disorder, several arrests have been made following riots in the Lower Broughton Road area of Salford, Manchester on Wednesday.
Around 50 to 60 people gathered in the area, setting a vehicle alight, damaging other cars, and using cars and wheelie bins to block access to the road.
Greater Manchester Police said it dispatched a large number of officers to the scene, with a dispersal order in place until 2pm today (June 12).
However, the statement also dispelled any speculation that this incident was linked to immigration.
“We are aware of speculation online that this incident is linked to immigration, this is categorically incorrect,” the force said.
A motivation for the unrest has not yet been shared.
